Bag Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bag

[bรฆษก ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

carry items

A flexible container with a single opening.

Synonyms

container, pouch, sack.

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Word Description / Examples
bag

Colloquially refers to the action of capturing or securing something, often in sports or hunting.

  • He managed to bag two ducks during the hunt
  • She bagged the top prize in the competition
sack

A large bag, often made of coarse material like burlap, used for carrying bulk items like grain or potatoes.

  • He lifted the heavy sack of potatoes onto his shoulder
  • The workers filled the sacks with flour
pouch

A small, soft bag typically used for holding small items or personal belongings.

  • She kept her keys in a small leather pouch
  • He carried coins in a pouch attached to his belt
container

A more formal term for any receptacle that holds items, usually rigid. Often used for larger, sturdy items.

  • They used a container to store the old clothes
  • The shipping container was loaded onto the truck

Examples of usage

  • She packed her clothes in a bag for the trip.
  • He bought a bag of groceries at the store.
Context #2 | Noun

fashion

A woman's handbag or purse.

Synonyms

clutch, handbag, purse.

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Word Description / Examples
bag

General term for a container used to carry things. It can refer to a variety of types including backpack, tote bag, and more.

  • I need a bigger bag to carry all my groceries.
  • He packed his gym clothes into the bag.
purse

In American English, it refers to a woman's handbag. In British English, it usually refers to a small bag for carrying money.

  • She always keeps her phone and wallet in her purse.
  • He handed her a small purse full of coins.
clutch

A small, elegant bag typically used by women for formal occasions, often carried without a strap.

  • She chose a silver clutch to match her evening gown.
  • At weddings, women often carry clutches to hold their essentials.
handbag

A medium-sized bag used mostly by women for carrying personal items, often with handles or a strap.

  • She searched through her handbag for her keys.
  • Handbags come in many styles and colors.

Examples of usage

  • She carried a stylish designer bag to the party.
  • He gifted her a leather bag for her birthday.
Context #3 | Verb

capture

To catch or seize, especially as prey.

Synonyms

capture, seize, trap.

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Word Description / Examples
bag

commonly used to describe putting something into a bag or successfully capturing something, such as hunting animals.

  • He managed to bag a couple of ducks during his hunting trip
  • She bagged all her groceries quickly at the store

Examples of usage

  • The police were able to bag the thief after a long chase.
  • He managed to bag a couple of goals in the match.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In different cultures, bags can symbolize wealth or poverty, depending on their material and design.
  • Shopping bags have become a powerful symbol in the sustainability movement, representing the shift towards eco-friendly practices.
  • Certain bags, like the Hermรจs Birkin, are status symbols, showcasing how some bags transcend functionality to become luxury items.

Science

  • Plastic bags can take up to 1,000 years to decompose, raising environmental concerns about waste.
  • Researchers have studied how bags can harbor bacteria, highlighting the importance of cleanliness, especially for food carry bags.
  • The design of reusable bags is often inspired by principles of ergonomics, to make carrying easier and more comfortable.

Art and Design

  • Artists have created bags as a canvas for expression, turning simple carriers into pieces of art.
  • Fashion designers often showcase bags during runway shows, indicating their importance in style and self-expression.
  • The craftsmanship involved in creating luxury bags can reflect cultural practices and artisanal techniques passed down generations.

Psychology

  • The concept of carrying a bag can symbolize emotional baggage, representing the weight of past experiences.
  • People often choose bags based on their personality, reflecting how personal items can serve as extensions of oneself.
  • Bags can evoke feelings of nostalgia, especially if associated with meaningful events or trips.

Origin of 'bag'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'bag' is believed to come from the Old Norse word 'baggi', meaning 'a sack'.
  • In Middle English, 'bagge' referred to a pouch for carrying goods, showing how its use has evolved.
  • The term has been in use for several centuries, indicating the long-standing need for tools to carry items.

The word 'bag' originated in the 13th century from the Old Norse word 'baggi', meaning 'pack'. It has evolved over time to represent various flexible containers used for carrying items. In modern usage, 'bag' is commonly associated with handbags, purses, and luggage. The verb form of 'bag' to capture or seize has roots in hunting and trapping practices. Today, 'bag' is a versatile word used in everyday language across different contexts.


See also: baggage, baggy, bagpipe, bags.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,267, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.